Nootropics Expert

  • Start Here
  • Nootropics Guide
  • Nootropics List
  • Best Nootropics
    • What I Take
    • Consultations
  • Reviews
  • Guides
  • About
    • Podcasts
    • Press
  • Buy Nootropics
    • Book Store
    • Consultations
    • Donate

Welcome to Nootropics Expert

 

 

Free Secrets of the Brain 3rd Edition

Get “Secrets of the Optimized Brain,” 92 nootropics to help you plan your Nootropic Stack when you sign up for my newsletter:

 

Here at NootropicsExpert.com, we explore the universe of nootropics. You’ll find all the information you need to get the results you want.

If you’re overwhelmed by the fragmented information for nootropics spread across several websites, you can end your search.

How does one nootropic interact with another? Which one is safe? And which nootropics have side effects? We cover all that here.

Use my Nootropics Guide to get more familiar with the different types of cognitive enhancers and what they do. And you’ll be able to safely build your own stack.

Here you’ll find a comprehensive list of the latest nootropic compounds. You’ll quickly learn what each does along with their side effects. And the ‘mechanism of action‘ or how each supplement works in your brain and body.

You’ll get nootropic dosing recommendations, and interactions with other nootropics and medications. Including what to avoid!

You’ll even learn the history of a nootropic compound. How and why it came into being. And how it’s used by the nootropic and medical community.

Some of the nootropics you’ll find on NootropicsExpert.com are prescription drugs in some parts of the world. These same nootropics are sold as OTC supplements in countries like the United States.

I”m happy you’re here. Because you should be able to find everything you need to know about nootropics on this site. No need to go anywhere else. Armed with this knowledge you can choose the best nootropics for you, and finally start experiencing the benefits you’re working to achieve. Verification

The Definitive Guide to Nootropics

A nootropic is a substance that enhances cognition and memory and facilitates learning.

Neuro-hacking and the research behind brain modulation, nootropics, and biohacking in general is a constantly evolving and improving science.

We cover all that in The Definitive Guide to Nootropics.

Nootropics Guide

The Big List of Nootropics

Nootropics cover a broad category of compounds with cognitive boosting properties.

They have minimal side-effects and are appropriate for long-term use.

The Big List is a quick reference guide for nootropics. Learn what it’s for, how it’s used, side effects, interactions and dosing suggestions.

Nootropics List

The Best Nootropics

Achieving brain optimization comes with a lot of trial and error. Experimenting to see what works best for you. But spend enough time in the nootropics community, and you begin to see patterns develop.

After you try the latest edition to the racetam-family of nootropics. Most biohackers settle into the nootropic that works best for each category of; cognition & focus, memory, energy & motivation, anxiety & depression, and brain repair & maintenance.

The “Best Nootropics” page is a distillation of what I have found to be the best nootropics for each category of brain optimization. You’ll find a list of the best nootropic compounds for each category. And links through to more detailed articles for each category.

Best Nootropics

 

About David Tomen

David has been researching nootropics and brain optimization for over 10 years. When he's not writing about nootropics, he's travelling the world (45 countries so far), sailing, diving, studying neuroscience or sitting under an umbrella on Miami Beach. More...

Comments

  1. Nathalie WAQUET says

    February 20, 2023 at 7:42 am

    Hi David,
    which nootropics would you recommend for Endometriosis
    Best regards
    Nathalie WAQUET

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      February 21, 2023 at 4:35 pm

      Nathalie, Endometriosis falls under the category of Urology and we deal with the human brain on Nootropic Expert. Not the female reproduction system. Sorry.

      Reply
  2. Ed says

    February 19, 2023 at 5:43 pm

    Hi David

    Look forward to booking a session with you in the future

    What’s your opinion on stacking L tyrosine with NAC? Do you think it would result in additive benefits or contraindication (via competing mechanisms, binding sites, or metabolic cascades)? Any particular benefit or drawback you can think of with this combo ?

    Thanks for your amazing work

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      February 21, 2023 at 4:33 pm

      Ed, stacking L-Tyrosine with NAC works because NAC helps restore dysfunctional dopamine receptors. More healthy and functioning dopamine receptors means dopamine has something to bind to once it is converted from L-Tyrosine.

      Reply
  3. Eternal youth says

    February 3, 2023 at 6:06 pm

    What are your thoughts on NAD? And NAD+ complexes, they claim they can increase it, but I’m not sure how “Nicotinamide riboside”/hydromalate, works in the brain, but I saw research by David Sinclair who gave NAD directly to mice, and they had no side effects during natural aging in old age, unlike placebo mice that looked terrible in old age.
    Maybe there is already a possibility of eternal youth, and they are hiding it from us?
    After all, even genes can already be altered by Elizabeth Parrish’s BioViva Crispr/cas9, telomere and muscle regeneration.

    Reply
    • Eternal youth says

      February 3, 2023 at 7:34 pm

      oops, I mixed up “NAD’ WITH “NAD+”

      Reply
    • David Tomen says

      February 9, 2023 at 4:22 pm

      This is my research on NADH: https://nootropicsexpert.com/nadh/ and my research on Niacin: https://nootropicsexpert.com/vitamin-b3-niacin/

      There is clinical evidence for example with Long-COVID that those who have had the virus are very deficient in NAD+. But it turns out that supplementing with NAD+ did not raise their NAD+ levels. On the other hand, supplementing with plain, old niacin (nicotinic acid) did increase NAD+ levels.

      I suggest that you read my research including how it works in your brain for each of the above. And read the section for each on “How does *** feel?” and see what real users experienced for each.

      Reply
  4. Paul Maple says

    February 2, 2023 at 1:00 pm

    I suspect my 19-year-old son has fetal alcohol syndrome. He struggles with memory, organising thoughts, general brain fog, and low energy. He has always performed poorly academically but please be clear he is a great lad and I am very proud of him.

    He is at present much happier, alert and energised possibly due to a combination of acetyl L carnitine (500 mg twice a day), coq10 (100 mg twice a day) and alpha lipoic acid (300 mg twice a day). He does appear to be a different lad.

    However, following viewing one of your YouTube videos, I have purchased the nootropic Aniracetam, which will come in capsules of 400 mg. I have also purchased some alpha gpc and was thinking of replacing the L carnitine and coq10 with these new supplements to see how he gets on. If he feels happy and wants to continue, I may consider suggesting reintroducing them although I don’t want to over stack him, especially as he is still very young. I would be interested in your view if that’s okay?

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      February 3, 2023 at 10:06 am

      Paul, do NOT eliminate ALCAR and CoQ10. Your son needs those as cofactors and work with Alpha GPC to produce acetylcholine. Along with a BioActive Multivitamin.

      Try adding 500 mg L-Tyrosine twice per day and see how that works.

      Reply
  5. Gary Siegel says

    January 22, 2023 at 11:07 am

    If t took powered gaba and let it dissolve under my tongue is it more bioavailabe

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      January 25, 2023 at 3:47 pm

      Gary, probably not. GABA is primarily produced in your gut and some of it makes it to your brain. Sublingually means you are bypassing your gut. Use PharmaGABA and it’ll get to your brain in less than 30 minutes.

      Reply
  6. Arturo Sidransky says

    January 16, 2023 at 10:07 am

    I have a consultation coming up and you ask for blood test results and current supplements but you don’t have anywhere posted your email ????

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      January 18, 2023 at 1:54 pm

      Arturo, you can include those notes in the form you filled out for the consultation. Or you can simply reply to the confirmation email you received and I will get it.

      I do NOT need blood tests (unless they are hormones like testosterone and thyroid). But I do need your current list of supplements, current list of meds, current health issues and what you want to accomplish from our consultation.

      Reply
  7. Dale George says

    January 15, 2023 at 4:15 pm

    Hi David, I am a male 52 years old. Was recently diagnosed with MCI (mild cognitive impairment) with PET scan scheduled. Doc wants me to start taking donepezil, and escitalopram. I am in good health with no other health conditions, and currently not taking any prescription drugs. I have a reasonably good diet with some vitamins and supplements. What stack would you recommend or would I do better with Mind Lab Pro? Are the two drugs they are prescribing accelerate my cognitive decline? Please Help, Thank You

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      January 18, 2023 at 2:42 pm

      Dale, donepezil is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donepezil). We have several natural acetylcholinesterase inhibitors which are far safer to use.

      And Escitalopram is an SSRI and particularly nasty (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escitalopram).

      I highly recommend that you read this article carefully: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-the-aging-brain/. You can restore brain function with the material on that page. If you need more help I suggest an hour with me and I’ll help you get your brain working the way you want: https://calendly.com/davidtomen/60-minute-consultation-with-report

      Reply
  8. Gabriel Machado says

    January 11, 2023 at 9:43 am

    Hey, David

    Do you have any research or opinion about Fasoracetam to share?

    Thanks, I’ll be glad to hear your thoughts

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      January 13, 2023 at 4:06 pm

      I have found zero peer-reviewed human clinical studies showing Fasoracetam beneficial for anything.

      Reply
  9. LEE MCCLAM says

    January 8, 2023 at 4:43 pm

    Hi IM lee
    I have a drinking problem. i dont drink to get durnk at all . i need it feel normal.i seen about phenibut that could help this drinking problem what do u recommend I do thanks GOD BE WITH U

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      January 10, 2023 at 2:08 pm

      Lee, if you have problems with alcohol I highly recommend that you avoid using Phenibut. Because it can be highly addictive especially with someone who tends towards addiction.

      L-Glutamine (https://nootropicsexpert.com/l-glutamine/) is a far safer choice and should help reduce your cravings for alcohol.

      Reply
  10. Ryan says

    January 3, 2023 at 10:40 pm

    I am just starting to take the flush Niacin from Costco. I cut a 500 mg in half one 1/2 at lunch 1/2 at dinner.
    My sleep has me dreaming like crazy,causing me to be bagged out upon rising.
    I have not saw this in any list of side effects,any ideas?
    I may cut this pill down to 1/4 of a 500 mg pill to start with — 125 mg
    Can you contact me at my email please and Thank you R

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      January 5, 2023 at 3:34 pm

      Ryan, if niacin causes lucid dreaming it’s likely because of increased blood flow to and within your brain. 125 mg should be effective and all you need.

      Reply
  11. Leo Dale says

    December 29, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Hi again david

    Do the supplements listed in your article work better in conjunction or do they not necessarily affect each other’s efficiency?

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      December 29, 2022 at 3:01 pm

      Leo, it depends on which article you are referring to.

      Reply
  12. Leo Dale says

    December 24, 2022 at 4:39 am

    Hi david

    Would getting a lumbar puncture i.e an analysis of my cerebro spinal fluid be useful in helping leaky brain? I have tried many of the things listed on your site but with limited and varied success. Is there something that only a doctor could prescribe me that might help? Something like an antibiotic or steroid?

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      December 26, 2022 at 1:56 pm

      Leo, have you tried the suggestions in this article? https://nootropicsexpert.com/how-to-heal-a-leaky-blood-brain-barrier/

      I do not see how a lumbar puncture would help heal a leaky brain.

      Reply
  13. James says

    December 17, 2022 at 10:13 pm

    Serious question here

    What would happen if I shoved a probiotic up my rectum instead of going through the stomach because the acid in the stomach kills 90% of the probiotic or is there a certain method of doing this? or can one just shoved the pill up there what about the prebiotic going in there at the same time?.

    I heard you say somewhere this could be a more effective way

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      December 21, 2022 at 3:20 pm

      James, there is limited evidence that at least some probiotics can be more effective if administered through an enema. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20737210/)

      Reply
  14. Chad says

    November 30, 2022 at 4:47 am

    Hello,
    I am new to this site, and I may have undiagnosed ADD that I struggled with for 25 years. Teachers have always gotten onto me about not paying attention in class, and my grades also suffered dramatically for it in middle school, along with my performance in other areas such as sports. My grades did improve in high school, but it was still a struggle to stay focused, and learning the information. I’ve always felt like classmates, and coworkers today are always ahead of me when it comes to learning. What may take an average person 10 minutes may take me hours. I also noticed that it has sometimes affected my daily life such as being very forgetful about certain things when I’m at work. I also tend to forget conversations very easily. What supplements do you recommend for improving focus, memory, recall, information processing, and executive functioning? What would you also recommend for anxiety and depression?
    I know this will not be a quick fix, but I would rather stay off the prescription medications, and try to keep it as natural as possible.

    Thanks

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      December 4, 2022 at 2:06 pm

      Chad, the ‘side effects’ of ADD can include anxiety and depression. Once you take care of your ADD it often includes reducing anxiety and depression. You do that by following this protocol: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/

      Reply
  15. Lee T Harvey says

    November 22, 2022 at 8:37 pm

    David,

    I’m really enjoying your Youtube videos, and I especially like the selectable subtopics for each one.

    You suggested NALT for workouts, and you were right! I’m 63 and very active athletically, and I’m a powerhouse on NALT.

    My question is, can I add Phenylalanine to NALT? I’m currently taking 350 mg of NALT twice per day. Or should I use just one or the other? Or NALT in the morning and Phenylalanine.

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      November 28, 2022 at 2:23 pm

      Lee, I suggest staying with NALT since it is working for you and forget about Phenylalanine. You do not need it. A better idea is increase your NALT dose to 500 mg.

      Reply
      • Lee T Harvey says

        December 3, 2022 at 1:22 pm

        Oh okay, I’m on it.

        Thanks very much.

        Reply
  16. John A Lawson says

    November 17, 2022 at 6:41 pm

    Hi David, I’m really enjoying your website, so informative! I was just wondering if your book, Head First, will be available as a physical book soon? I like to give my eyes a break from the screen. Thanx.

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      November 19, 2022 at 1:58 pm

      John, the 2nd Edition of Head First is at the publisher and they just sent me the gallies yesterday to review. And as soon as I review and approve them it will be available in Hard Cover.

      Reply
    • Gary says

      November 28, 2022 at 1:10 pm

      David will you be sending out emails to let us know when its available.

      Reply
      • David Tomen says

        November 28, 2022 at 1:36 pm

        Gary, I absolutely will be sending out emails during the launch/release of the 2nd Edition of Head First. Our community will be the first to hear about it.

        Reply
  17. Dennis William Chernyk says

    October 27, 2022 at 12:43 am

    I was very pleased at what the research has shown. What scares the most is big Pharma, when that gentleman asked about adderal being a nootropic was an amazing discovery, but for me I am not going into that drug seeking behavior, I am taking specific reason, I am older now and I remember taking in my 40’s and had terrific results. If I mixed ginko, with genseng, and a little beepollen,(optional) and I had no ED problems whatsoever, and upon remembering that I decided to buy a bottle today at London Drugs, and it was at a reasonable price. I also got some vitamin C, as it is cheap and its good for the winter, and I take vitamin D3 for the winter because Vancouver, Canada can be gloomy and dark for long periods of time resulting seasonal depression disorder and D3 is good for me for 3 or 4 months.I enjoyed the presentation so far, thanks ladies and gentlemen, your team is on to something, I also love plants and the power of them.

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      October 27, 2022 at 3:15 pm

      Dennis, Adderall is NOT considered a natural nootropic supplement. I consider it a “smart drug” because you need a prescription in most countries to get Adderall.

      And the research shows it’s only effective if you are clinically, truly ADD or ADHD. Otherwise it can have the opposite effect and harm your brain.

      Most reasonably healthy adults can dramatically improve cognition, learning, and memory by using the right natural nootropic supplements.

      Reply
      • Sheila says

        November 7, 2022 at 2:48 pm

        I was told by a Psychiatrist that Adderall if taken for long periods of time can stop your body from producing it’s own neurotransmitter, Dopamine!
        That is a terrible thing!
        I would like for David to explain what he meant by his reply on October 27, 2022, that: “it can have the opposite effect and harm your brain.”

        Thanks!

        Reply
        • David Tomen says

          November 7, 2022 at 4:36 pm

          Sheila, that may be true of someone who is not clinically ADHD or ADD. But I’ve seen zero science to support that. So I suggest asking this psychiatrist to prove it.

          What the science does demonstrate is Adderall may be effective for helping the symptoms of ADHD or ADD in someone who is clinically diagnosed with this condition. The same science shows anyone who is not clinically ADHD or ADD and is using Adderall recreationally will end up with cognition problems.

          Reply
  18. Jo says

    October 24, 2022 at 1:39 pm

    David, I have only just now discovered you. I will be ordering the books. I am kinda in a hurry and, therefore, would rather not spend months of study. My Mom and I live together and she is the family treasure. She is soon to be 99. Very full of life. Something that must have been mild occurred a few months back to her speech and memory. I attributed it to a bad UTI but believe it to have been a stroke that was not witnessed. She has had fresh squeezed orange juice every morning for five years and on Q10 and a few others. In short, I would consider a consult if there is something that can bring it “back.” I sincerely believe she can be helped. She is frustrated over “communicating” Your thoughts if you have the time and thank you for your help and research.

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      October 24, 2022 at 3:23 pm

      Jo, once someone has a stroke there is only so much you can do especially at an advance age. But there is some information in this article which should help you: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-the-aging-brain/

      Reply
    • Bill says

      November 19, 2022 at 10:26 am

      UTIs are a stealth stealer of cognition. Several acquaintances have had good results after being treated for an undiagnosed UTI.

      Reply
  19. Heather says

    October 23, 2022 at 1:51 pm

    Hi! What supplement would you suggest for oppositional defiant disorder? My son has been such a problem starter at home. It’s heart breaking

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      October 23, 2022 at 2:28 pm

      Heather, combined with psychotherapy and social skill training the only ‘drugs’ that have shown limited success have been lithium and Ritalin (if he is also ADHD).

      The closest natural nootropic supplement in this case is Lithium Orotate (https://nootropicsexpert.com/lithium-orotate/).

      Reply
      • Heather says

        October 23, 2022 at 6:01 pm

        How much for him? He is 12

        Reply
        • David Tomen says

          October 24, 2022 at 3:33 pm

          Heather most Lithium Orotate supplements contain 5 mg lithium and the rest is orotic acid. I am not qualified to recommend anything for someone who is underage. I suggest doing a search and see if you can find a forum or thread somewhere that has a parent with similar experience with Lithium Orotate for a 12 year old.

          Reply
  20. Victor says

    October 19, 2022 at 6:26 pm

    Hello David,

    I am reading carefully all your content and I think is amazing

    I would like to know if you consider as a nootropics adderall, modafinil and those compounds that are related to anphetamines.

    Do you think it is a safe use to use them without a medical prescription¿

    Thanks a lot

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      October 22, 2022 at 2:36 pm

      Victor, I consider those “smart drugs” and NOT natural nootropic supplements. See what I think of them here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/do-brain-enhancing-drugs-work-know-the-risks/

      Reply
« Older Comments
Newer Comments »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Facebook Icon Twitter Icon

Buy Nootropics

Where to Buy Nootropics

Nootropics Guide

Neuro-enhancers

The Definitive Guide to Nootropics

Ask the Expert

David Tomen the author of Head First

Personal Consultations

Nootropics List

Quercetin for COVID-19

The Big List of Nootropics

Best Nootropics

best nootropics for 2023

Best Nootropics 2023

Head First 2nd Editon - The Complete Guide to Healing & Optimizing Your Brain with Nootropic Supplements

NEW! Eliminate Brain Fog, Low Energy, Moodiness, Difficulty Sleeping, Memory Loss or Anxiety. Learn more about this phenomenal new book by clicking here.

Pages

  • Start Here
  • Nootropics Guide
  • Nootropics List
  • Best Nootropics
  • Nootropics Reviews
  • Glossary
  • Donate
  • Personal Consultations
  • Podcasts

Recent Posts

  • Cat’s Claw
  • Sex Hormones and Your Brain
  • Neurohackers Guide to Lab Tests
  • Best Nootropics for the Aging Brain
  • Advanced Guide to Acetylcholine Supplements in Nootropic Stacks

Recent Comments

  • David Tomen on Hacking Motivation with Nootropics
  • David Tomen on Glutathione
  • David Tomen on Best Nootropics for the Aging Brain
  • David Tomen on Welcome to Nootropics Expert
  • David Tomen on Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Copyright © 2023 Nootropics Expert · About · Contact · Press · Disclaimer · Privacy Policyscrollclick

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and supplements referred anywhere on Nootropics Expert are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

 

Wondering Where to Start? There’s a Nootropic For That…

Free Secrets of the Brain 3rd Edition

Get “Secrets of the Optimized Brain,” 92 nootropics to help you plan your Nootropic Stack when you sign up for my newsletter:

Search Tip: search by word or “keyphrase in quotations”. i.e. dopamine, anxiety, depression, epilepsy, OCD, “nootropics for ADHD”, “nootropics for social anxiety”, etc.